3146: ROUNDTABLE: Understanding Local Governance in South Sudan’s Decentralised and Federal System

Local government sits at the third tier of South Sudan’s decentralised system of governance, yet its powers, responsibilities, and constitutional relationship with state and national authorities remain unclear to many officials and citizens.

Under the 2009 Local Government Act, the country operates a decentralised framework made up of counties, payams, and bomas, supported by both formal state institutions and traditional authorities. But years of conflict, displacement, and shifting community structures have weakened these systems and blurred how local governance is meant to function.

As South Sudan heads toward adopting a permanent constitution, key questions arise:

What exactly is the role of local government?
How should power be shared across the three levels?
And should the 2009 Local Government Act be amended — or abolished altogether?

Today, we unpack these issues with a distinguished panel:

Listen in as we explore the complexities, challenges, and future of local governance in South Sudan.